Understanding the 5 Types of Paint Finishes for Homes
Color choices are often the subject of discussion when painting homes. From a single color to combinations and palettes, homeowners tend to give so much consideration when choosing paint colors. However, color is just one of the many things to consider when painting your home.
This blog will discuss one factor that heavily affects your painting project's result: paint finishes. We will uncover the five types of paint finishes and how each can enhance the overall look of your living spaces.
Matte Finish (Flat Finish)
Best For: Ceilings, adult bedrooms, formal dining rooms, low-traffic areas
Sheen Level: None to very low
Matte or flat finishes provide a velvety, non-reflective appearance that creates a soft, elegant backdrop in any room. This finish is excellent for hiding surface imperfections such as nail holes, patches, or minor cracks, making it ideal for older homes or walls with texture.
However, matte finishes are not the most durable. They tend to absorb stains and are more difficult to clean without removing some of the paint. For this reason, matte is best suited for low-traffic areas where frequent cleaning isn’t necessary.
Pros:
● Great at hiding imperfections
● Soft, sophisticated look
● Non-reflective finish
Cons:
● Difficult to clean
● Not suitable for high-traffic or moisture-prone areas
Eggshell Finish
Best For: Living rooms, hallways, dining rooms
Sheen Level: Low sheen (slight gloss)
Eggshell offers a slight sheen that’s often compared to the surface of—you guessed it—an eggshell. It provides a subtle luster that’s more durable than matte, making it a popular choice for common areas that are moderately used.
It strikes a nice balance between visual appeal and functionality. Eggshell finishes are easier to clean than matte and still do a decent job at concealing small flaws on walls.
Pros:
● More washable than matte
● Subtle sheen adds warmth
● Suitable for moderate traffic areas
Cons:
● Slightly reveals surface imperfections
● Not ideal for kitchens or bathrooms
Satin Finish
Best For: Kitchens, bathrooms, children’s rooms, laundry rooms, hallways
Sheen Level: Medium sheen
Satin is one of the most versatile paint finishes available. With a soft, pearl-like sheen, it’s durable enough to handle frequent cleaning, splashes, and scuffs. Satin finishes are often used in rooms that see a lot of moisture or activity, such as kitchens and bathrooms.
One thing to note: satin finishes can reveal imperfections more than matte or eggshell, so careful prep work is important.
Pros:
● Highly durable and washable
● Moisture-resistant
● Great for high-traffic, functional spaces
Cons:
● Requires a smooth, well-prepared surface
● Slightly more reflective, highlighting wall flaws
Semi-Gloss Finish
Best For: Trim, doors, cabinets, bathrooms, kitchens
Sheen Level: High sheen
Semi-gloss finishes offer a shiny, polished look that’s both durable and moisture-resistant. This makes it a go-to for areas that require regular cleaning or are exposed to steam, grease, or fingerprints.
Semi-gloss is also commonly used on baseboards, molding, and other trimwork to provide contrast against walls and enhance architectural details. It’s easy to wipe down, but the gloss can magnify imperfections, so surface prep is a must.
Pros:
● Excellent durability and moisture resistance
● Easy to clean
● Adds a sleek, modern touch
Cons:
● Highlights imperfections
● It may appear too shiny for large wall surfaces
High-Gloss Finish
Best For: Accent trim, doors, cabinets, furniture
Sheen Level: Very high sheen (mirror-like finish)
If you’re looking to make a bold, dramatic statement, high-gloss paint is your answer. With a reflective, glass-like finish, high-gloss paints are the most durable and easiest to clean. However, they also require the most meticulous surface preparation, as every dent and flaw will be noticeable.
High gloss is often reserved for small surfaces or design accents rather than entire walls. It’s perfect for high-use items like doors and cabinets, where durability and style meet.
Pros:
● Extremely durable
● Resistant to moisture and stains
● Luxurious, eye-catching finish
Cons:
● Unforgiving on imperfect surfaces
● Can appear overly shiny in large areas
Take the First Step to Painting Your Dream House
With different types of paint finishes come different levels of ambience and longevity. While experimenting on finishes and choosing one based on your personal preferences can be exciting, it may also lead to premature wear and tear as well as costly repainting.
For a better choice of paint finish for a specific room or for your whole house, an experienced, local painter can help. Local painters are knowledgeable about the home styling trends, the geographical humidity level, paint prices in your area, and other factors that can help you narrow down your options.
Do you need professional insights and services for your home painting project? Talk to us at Queen Anne Painting today!